Parking meter having an increased rate during peak demand periods

ABSTRACT

In order to operate at an increased rate during peak demand hours, a parking meter has rotary cam means with lugs representing peak demand hours and controlling a cam follower to shift a transmission so that a pointer moves faster during peak demand hours than during normal demand hours from a set position representing a period of time to a position of rest representing the end of a parking period. In a second embodiment, the cam follower sets the pointer to represent during normal demand hours a longer parking period than during peak demand hours. In a third embodiment, different coins set the pointer to the same position so that a more valuable coin is required during peak demand hours for the same parking period.

United States Patent Kaiser PARKING METER HAVING AN INCREASED RATE DURING PEAK DEMAND PERIODS Inventor: Bernhard Kaiser, Villingen, Germany Kienzle Apparate GmbH, Villingen, Germany Jan. 20, 1971 Assignee:

Filed:

Appl. No.:

Foreign Application Priority Data Jan. 21, 1970 Germany..l ..P 20 02 468.4

References Cited 2,591,402 4/1952 Campbell ..194/DIG. 22

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,127,751 9/1968 Great Britain ..194/DIG. 18

Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Assistant Examiner-Francis .1. Bartuska AtmmeyMichael S. Striker 5 7] ABSTRACT In order to operate at an increased rate during peak demand hours, a parking meter has rotary cam means with lugs representing peak demand hours and controlling a cam follower to shift a transmission so that a pointer moves faster dur ing peak demand hours than during normal demand hours from a set position representing a period of time to a position of rest representing the end of a parking period. In a second embodiment, the cam follower sets the pointer to represent during normal demand hours a longer parking period than during peak demand hours. In a third embodiment, different coins set the pointer to the same position so that a more valuable coin is required during peak demand hours for the same parking period.

1 1 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures Patented May 30, 1972 3,666,067

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Av Mai/4% Patented May 30, 1972 3,666,067

5 Sheets-Sheet :5

Irv/I010: Bumung #41304 4,. an 1 Mb Patented May 30, 1972 s Sheets- -Sheet 4 117 164094 AQ kA/SFA 65 fi' Patented May 30, 1972 5 Sheets-$heet 5 PARKING METER HAVING AN INCREASED RATE DURING PEAK DEMAND PERIODS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a coin operated parking meter, or like time vending machine, as are widely used along busy streets, or in garage buildings.

When a coin is inserted, an indicating pointer is set to a position indicating the permitted parking time, and returns from the set position to a position of rest during the alloted parking time, driven by a clockwork.

Since parking meters are subjected to all kinds of unfavorable weather conditions, and since it is difficult to supply electric current to parking meters arranged along a street, parking meters are generally driven by mechanical clockworks, and also the sensing of the inserted coins to determine the value of the same is usually mechanically carried out.

Due to the great demand for parking space, particularly during peak traffic hours, it has been proposed to operate the parking meters during peak traffic hours in accordance with a higher rate than during more quiet hours. In other words, it is desirable to make higher parking charges during the peak traffie hours than during other time periods when the demand for parking space is small.

The French Pat. No. 1,397,660 discloses a parking arrangement in which a main clock controls a number of auxiliary clocks, each of which is installed in a separate parking area of a garage building, and which operates a barrier which is closed if a car is parked in a parking area or parking box, and opened when no car is parked in the parking area. When a car enters a parking box, the barrier closes automatically. The driver of the car must insert coins when returning to his car in order to set the auxiliary clock or parking meter to zero position, in which the barrier can be opened. The parking arrangement disclosed in this French patent, has also means by which the main clock drives the auxiliary clocks during nighttime at a lower electric impulse frequency than during daytime. This means that the driver of the car pays a lower rate during nighttime than during daytime. The arrangement is suitable only for parking in separate boxes within a building, and not for use along the curb of a street, since means for supplying electric current, and several cables connecting the main clock with the auxiliary clocks are required. The provision of electrically driven parking meters along a street would be expensive and impractical.

The U. S. Pat. No. 2,329,926 discloses an arrangement in which during the-evening hours, a parking meter can be set to a different parking period. During the day, only a single coin can be inserted, which starts movement of the parking meter for a predetermined time period.

By an operator, the parking meter is shifted to evening parking for which there is a great demand by theatre goers. The storage slot is increased so that the user of the parking meter can insert several coins, and these coins are successively sensed and evaluated by the parking meter, so that the user buys instead of a single short parking period, for example onehalf hour, 3 hours, since the coins inserted into the parking meter are stored and successively evaluated. However, the apparatus depends on service by an operator which sets before the theatre time, the parking meters to the extended parking time for a greater amount of coins.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is one object of the invention to provide a parking meter operating at an increased rate during peak demand periods.

Another object of the invention is to provide a parking meter having different charges for the same parking period, depending on the demand for parking space at a particular time.

Another object of the invention is to provide a parking meter in which the same coin buys different parking periods during normal demand and peak demand for parking space.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanically operating substantially standard parking meter with an auxiliary device by which the parking meter is automatically set to a lower rate and to a higher rate during different hours of the day or night.

The present invention is applied to a coin operated parking meter in which by insertion of one or several coins having the same value or different values, a clockwork is started for setting a time indicating pointer to a position representing the value of the inserted coin or coins from which set position the pointer runs back to a position of rest, while indicating on a dial the parking time still available. In accordance with the invention, the clockwork or other drive means of the parking meter drives not only the pointer, but also a rotary control cam with adjustable cam lugs which effect the setting of a parking meter to different rates depending on the time of the day, and the demand for parking space at a particular time. The setting of the parking meter to difierent rates can be accomplished in various ways. The parking meter can be constructed so that insertion ofv the same coin makes a shorter or longer parking time available, depending on the time of the day. For example, inserting a 25 -cent coin may buy 2 hours of parking time during the normal demand period, and less parking time during the peak demand period, in which the higher rate is enforced, so that the same 25-cent coin will buy only one-half hour of parking time.

In one embodiment of the invention, the indicator pointer is moved a greater distance to the set position during the time in which a lower normal rate is to be charged, while the pointer moves less far to its set position and consequently takes less time to return to the position of rest when the lower rate is to be charged. In another embodiment of the invention, the parking meter is provided with several graduated scales cooperating with the indicator pointer, and the same coin obtains the same position of the pointer, but a transmission is shifted which connects the clockwork with the indicating pointer, so that during normal demand hours, the indicating pointer moves slower to the position of rest, than during the peak demand hours.

In another embodiment of the invention, the same parking period is set by a coin of higher value and by a coin of lower value. For example, during the normal demand period, a dime may set the indicating pointer to a position indicating half an hour, while during the peak demand time, a 25-cent coin is required to set the pointer to the same parking time. In this embodiment, it is necessary to prevent the setting of the parking meter during peak demand time by insertion of a lO-cent coin.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a fragmentary front view, partially in section, illustrating a parking meter of the type disclosed in the U. S. Pat. No. 3,391,772;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are fragmentary front elevations illustrating details of the parking meter of FIG. 1, particularly the drive of the indicating pointer;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view of the pointer drive shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary front view of a first embodiment of the invention, as applied to the conventional parking meter of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are fragmentary side elevations illustrating the embodiment of FIG. 5 in two different operational positions;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary front view illustrating a second embodiment of the invention applied to the standard parking meter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary front view illustrating a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 8 in which electrical means are used;

FIG. is a fragmentary front view of a third embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 10 in which electrical means are used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the embodiment of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, a pointer moves at different speeds during hours when there is great demand for parking space, and during hours when there is small demand for parking space, but moves the same distance.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, depending on the time of day and the demand for parking space, the same coin sets the pointer to different parking periods, and the return of the pointer takes place at the same speed.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, coins of different values buy the same parking time at different times of the day when the demand for parking space is different.

Referring first to the standard parking meter illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, a parking meter of this type is disclosed in detail in the U. S. Pat. No. 3,391,772 to which reference may be made for details omitted in FIGS. 1 to 4 for the sake of simplicity.

A parking meter has a transporting disc 1 which includes a gear 2 and a coaxial and spaced disc 3. Between gear 2 and disc 3, three transporting segments 6, 7 and 8 are arranged. Gear 2 is driven through a gear 4 on a shaft 5 by a spring motor, not shown. In a position of rest, the transporting disc 1 is arrested by a lever 9 mounted on a stationary pivot 10, and biassed by a spring 1 l to turn in clockwise direction. Arresting lever 9 has a transversely projecting portion 12 engaging an abutment edge of one of the transporting segments 6, 7 and 8. A transverse portion at the end of lever 9 is located in the path of a coin 16 inserted through a slot, not shown, so that a coin inserted into the coin slot angularly displaces arresting lever 9 against the action of spring 11 in counterclockwise direction so that its transverse projection 12 releases the projection 13 of the edge 14, permitting the transporting disc 1 to turn due to the action of the spring motor driving gear 4, until arresting lever 9 again enters the transporting disc 1 at the trailing end of the abutment edge 14 and locks the transporting disc 1 by engaging the next following projecting portion 14. Since three segments are provided, the transporting disc 1 is stopped after turning 120 upon insertion of one coin. Three coins cause a complete revolution of the transporting disc 1.

A feeler lever 18 is mounted on'a stationary pivot 17 and has on its free end, a gear segment 20 meshing with a small pinion 21 mounted on a shaft 22 and connected for rotation with a disc 23 which has a circular slot 24 near its periphery. Stops 25, 26 and 27 are secured in slot 24 by screws 28, and a spring 29 secured to disc 23 near pinion 21 and also to a stationary wall, not shown, urges disc 23 to turn in clockwise direction. Disc 23 has a nose 30 with a projection 31 engaged by a sensing pin 32 on a sensing lever 33 which is mounted on a stationary pivot 45. Stops 25, 26 and 27 are adjustable in radial direction, and also in circumferential direction along slot 24, and also cooperate with the sensing pin 32, as will be explained hereinafter. Feeler lever 18 has a feeler pin 34 which cooperates with the periphery of the transporting disc 1 due to the action of spring 29 which turns disc 23, pinion 21, and gear segment 20. A stationary guide member 36 is provided which has a circular guide surface concentric with transporting disc 1 which is turnably mounted on a shaft 35. When a coin is inserted, it is transported by the respective transport segment while sliding or rolling on the circular guide surface of stationary guide member 36, and a segment-shaped portion of the coin 16 projects beyond the periphery of the disc 3 and engages the feeler pin 34 of feeler lever 18, as shown in FIG. 2.

The feeler lever 18 is turned by a coin 16 in clockwise direction so that disc 23 is turned in counterclockwise direction through gear segment 20 and pinion 21 an angular distance corresponding to the diameter of coin 16. The stops 25, 26, 27 turn with disc 23, and are arranged in circumferential direction along slot 24 in such a manner that coins of different diameter, and of different value, will turn disc 23 so that the respective associated stop 25, 26, and 27 is located in an accepting position shown for stop 25 in FIG. 2, in which accepting position the respective stop 25 cooperates with the sensing pin 32 and with a catch claw 37 mounted on a catch lever 38 which is supported on a stationary pivot 39, and has two arms 40 and 41 provided with transverse projections cooperating with a cam 42 mounted on a shaft 43 driven by a gear 44 from the gear 2, as shown in FIG. 1.

The ratio between gears 2 and 44 is selected so that gear 44 turns one full revolution when the transporting disc 1 turns upon insertion of a coin.

During the single revolution of the gear 44 with the cam 42 upon insertion of a coin, the follower arms 40 and 41 successively cooperate with cam 42 and effect on the one hand the engagement of a screw stem 28 of the respective stop 25 in the accepting position of disc 23, and on the other hand effect turning of catch lever 38 from the catch position shown in FIG. 2 in clockwise direction to an inactive position so that disc 23 can be returned by spring 29in clockwise direction to the position of rest shown in FIG. 1.

Upon insertion of a coin, the transportingdisc l is released since arresting lever 9 is displaced in counterclockwise direction. Coin 16 is engaged by the respective transporting segment 6 because transporting disc 1 is now driven by gear 4 from the spring motor, not shown, in counterclockwise direction. The coin is transported in a position determined by the guide member 36, and the projecting part of the coin is engaged by feeler pin 34 and displaces gear segment 20 and pinion 21 so that disc 23 turns in counterclockwise direction and places the respective stop 25, or 26, or 27, depending on the diameter of the coin, in the accepting position in which the stud 28 is located adjacent the catch claw 37, as shown in FIG. 2.

The stops 25, 26 and 27 are placed on disc 23 in circumferentially spaced positions corresponding to the diameters of coins which can be used for the respective parking meter. When the stop 25 of the respective coin 16 is placed in the accepting position and caught by catch claw 37, due to the operation of catch lever 38 by cam 42, disc 23 is also arrested, and cannot be turned by spring 29 to the position of rest.

Each of stops 25, 26, 27 can be adjusted in radial direction so that each of the stops in the accepting position in which stop 25 is shown in FIG. 2, is spaced a different distance from the sensing pin 32. The radial positions of the stops 25, 26 and 27 represent the value of the respective coin, which does not necessarily depend on the diameter of the same, as explained in the U. S. Pat. No. 3,391,772.

The indicating means shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and including an indicator or pointer 56, have to be angularly turned from a position of rest to a set position representing the value of the coin and the parking time bought by the same. Sensing lever 33 is controlled by a cam 46, see FIG. 1, which is mounted on shaft 43 together with cam 42, and consequently also turns 360 when any inserted coin effects turning of the transporting disc through 120. Sensing lever 33 has a follower pin 47 which cooperates with a peripheral cam track of cam 46 which turns in clockwise direction so that during the first half of the revolution of cam 46, during which the radius of the respective cam track portion is substantially constant, the sensing lever 33 is not moved.

Only when sensing lever 33 and its follower pin 47 cooperates with the steep portion 46 of the cam track of cam 46, and after the catch lever 38 has caught one of the stops 25, 26, 27, sensing lever 33 is turned about its stationary pivot in counterclockwise direction until sensing pin 32 engages and abuts a transverse projection of the caught stop 25, 26 or 27.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sensing lever 33 has an arm 48 with a gear segment 49 meshing with a gear 50 mounted for turning movement on a shaft 51. When sensing lever 33 is turned by cam 46, the gear segment 49 drives gear 50. An arm 52 is secured to gear 50 and carries a pivot 53 on which a pawl 54 is mounted for cooperation with a ratchet segment 55 forming part of the indicator 56, so that the motion of sensing lever 33 is transmitted to the indicating pointer 56 which, depending on the radial position of the stops 25, 26 and 27 is turned out of a position of rest a greater or smaller angular distance to a set position. As explained in detail in the U. S. Pat. No. 3,391,772, the indicating pointer is then returned by the clockwork to its position of rest in which it indicates on a scale on a dial 57 that the bought parking time has expired.

.A first embodiment of the invention which is applied to a parking meter as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. In this embodiment, a coin of predetermined value buys a parking time of 60 minutes, for example, during the hours of the day when there is a normal demand for parking space, but buys only 30 minutes, for example, during hours of the day when there is peak demand for parking space. The dial 57 shown in FIG. 2 is consequently provided with two corresponding scales indicating a higher rate and a lower rate, which are respectively valid during peak demand hours and normal demand hours. The ends of the two scales, with the graduations 0, and 30 and 60, respectively, coincide. It is advantageous to make the two graduated scales in different colors, so that a user of the parking meter can easily determine which parking time is bought by insertion of a coin at a particular time of the day.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate the mechanism by which the indicating pointer 56 is returned during normal demand hours within 60 minutes from the set position to the position of rest, indicated as zero. while the same coin returns the pointer 56 within 30 minutes from the same set position to the position of rest.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show two supporting walls 60 and 61 between which an escapement mechanism 62 is arranged on a shaft 64, as schematically shown. The escapement mechanism is driven by gears 63 and 65 from the spring motor, not shown. A gear 66 is also secured to shaft 64, and meshes with gear 67 which is mounted on the support wall 60 for rotation. Gear 67 has an annular recess 68 provided with a circular scale showing graduations between 0 and 24 hours corresponding to a day. Adjustable lugs 69 are inserted into the cutout or groove 68 of gear 67, and have a circumferential length and position corresponding to the peak demand hours for parking space. As shown in FIG. 5, the peak demand hours are between :00 and 12:00 am. and 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Lugs 69 project slightly beyond the lateral surface of gear 67. The rotary time cam 67, 68, 69 cooperates with the follower means 70, and constitutes with the same a control means 200 for the indicator 56.

Follower means 70 includes a double-armed lever 70 which is mounted upon a bracket 71 by means of a bearing 72, and the left end of the follower lever 70 always abuts either the surface of gear 67 above the cutout 68, or the follower lever 70 is angularly displaced by one of the lugs 69 which represent peak demand hours, while the uninterrupted portions of gear 67 represent normal demand hours.

The other end of follower lever 70 abuts a pin 73 which passes through the supporting walls 60 and 61, and through a coil spring 74 which abuts at one end on wall 61 and on the other end on a flange 75 of pin 73 so that the follower lever 70 is always urged to turn to a position cooperating with the rotary time cam 67, 68, 69. Biassing pin 73 has an arm 76 engaging a groove of a bushing 77 which serves for shifting a transmission including gears 78 and 79. Bushing 77 is secured to a shaft 80 carrying a gear 81.

Shaft 64 carries a gear 82 which drives a shaft 84 through a gear 83. Another gear 85 is mounted on shaft 84 and meshes with a gear 87 on a shaft 88 as shown in FIG. 6. Shaft 88 carries gears 87 and 89. In the position shown in FIG. 6, shaft 80 is driven from gear 82 through gear 83, shaft 84, gear 85, gears 87 and 78, and the transmission ratio of the shiftable transmission 82, 83, 85, 87, 78 corresponds to a normal rate, valid during hours of normal demand for a parking space.

When by gear 67 and one of the cam lugs 69, follower lever 70 is turned from a normal demand position cooperating with gear 67 to a peak demand position cooperating with one of the lugs 69, as shown in FIG. 7, follower lever 70 exerts pressure on pin 73 which is displaced with arm 76 so that bushing 77 and the change gears 78 and 79 are axially shifted to the position of FIG. 7 in which gears 78 and 87 are disengaged, and gears 79 and 89 mesh. Shaft is now driven through members 82, 83, 85, 87, 89, and 79. In the described example, the ratio of the two transmission stages is l 2, corresponding to the ratio of the two scales on dial 57, and the ratio of the parking times bought at different hours of the day by the same coin. At the time where the higher rate is valid, that is during hours of peak demand for parking space, gear 81 is driven at twice the speed than during hours of normal demand. A friction roller 90 is mounted on a lever 91 and transmits the rotation of gear 81 to a gear 92 which transmits its turning motion through a bushing 93 to the indicator pointer 56.

Summarizing, in the embodiment of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, when the normal rate is being charged, the transmission means 82, 83, 85, 87, 78 effect return of the indicator pointer 56 in 60 minutes from the set position to the position of rest, while when the higher rate is valid, and the lugs 69 associated with peak demand hours are operative, the transmission means 82, 83, 85, 87, 89, and 79 are effective so that due to the higher transmission ratio, the indicating pointer 56 returns in 30 minutes from the set position to the position of rest.

The sensing means including disc 23, stops 25, 26, 27, sensing lever 33 assume a setting position upon sensing the coin and set the indicating means shown in FIG. 5 and including the pointer 56 to a set position at the upper end of the dial 57. However, the speed of movement of the pointer 56 from the set position to the position of rest, depends on the operations of the follower means 70 cooperating with the time cam 57, 58, 69. By shifting of the transmission means 78 and 79, the indicating means and pointer 56 are influenced to move at different speeds depending on the position of the follower lever 70.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, a coin having a predetermined value buys a longer parking time during hours of normal demand for parking space, and a shorter parking time during peak demand hours. For example, a 25-cent coin may buy 60 minutes of parking time, or 30 minutes of parking time, depending on the time of the day. The gear 67 shown in FIG. 8 is driven in the manner described with reference to FIG. 6, but is not provided with an annular cutout, but carries a cam with a circular peripheral track corresponding to normal demand hours, and having recesses 102 corresponding to peak demand hours, and to a higher rate. The cam 100 is secured by a disc 103 and by a screw passing through the annular slot 105 so that the cam 100 can be angularly adjusted in relation to the gear 67. The circumferential extension of the recesses 102, which represents the length of the peak demand periods when a higher rate is charged, may be selected in accordance with actual conditions. However, cam 100 can be angularly adjusted on gear 67' so that the position of earn 100 is in accordance with the time of the day. Time cam means 100, 101, 102 cooperate with the follower lever 104 which is mounted on a pivot 105 and has at its left end, a follower nose 106, and at its right end a transverse arm with a projecting stop 107. A spring 108 turns follower lever 104 about pin 105 so that follower nose 106 engages the cam track of cam 100, 101, 102. Sensing lever 33 has a link 109 pivotally connected and being guided by a pin 110 for linear movement toward and away from stop 107. FIG. 8 shows stop 107 in a position corresponding to the higher rate since cam follower 104 cooperates with the recessed cam track portion 102 representing a peak demand time. During normal demand hours, when follower lever 104, 106 cooperates with cam track portions 101, the stop 107 is located below the link 109 and outside of the path of the same.

When follower lever 101 with stop 107 is in the position of FIG. 8, the stop 107 does not permit link 109 to move beyond the position engaging stop 107 so that sensing lever 33 cannot complete its movement until engaging the outward end of stop 25. When during the setting of the pointer 56, sensing lever 33 turns about the pivot 45, the link 109 moves therewith and abuts after turning of sensing lever 33 through a small angle, on stop 107 so that gear segment 49 transmits only a short angular movement to the pointer 56.

When follower lever 104 is turned about pivot 105 due to turning of time cam 100, and follower nose 106 is located on one of the cam track portions 101, the stop 107 is moved out of the path of link 109 so that sensing lever 33 can move twice the distance than before when sensing the coin until abutting with sensing pin 32 on stop 25. In this case, the indicator pointer is turned through a greater angle than before to its normal set position, so that a longer time is required for the pointer to return to its position of rest after insertion of a coin, as compared with the conditions illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 illustrates a modification of FIG. 8 in which the operating principle is the same, but the parking meter is assumed to be placed in a location, such as a parking garage building, where electric current is available. Instead of a spring motor, a regulated constant speed direct current motor, supplied with current from a battery or other source, may be used. Instead of the cam follower lever 104 with stop 107, a follower 104a cooperates with the rotary time cam means 100, 101, 102, and operates a microswitch 110 which is connected into the circuit of a battery 113 together with a microswitch 111. Microswitches 110 and 111 are connected in series, and switch 110 is closed in the position of FIG. 9 in which the recessed cam track portion 102, representing a peak demand time, is engaged by follower 104a. Switch 111 is normally open. Only in the moment in which the respective operative stop 25 has been placed in the accepting position cooperating with sensing pin 32 of sensing lever 33, as shown in FIG. 9, the pin 114 secured to the disc 23 engages the actuator of switch 111 and closes the same so that both switches 1 and 1 11 are closed, and an electromagnet 112 is connected with battery 113 so that the armature 115 is shifted and its end 116, serving as a stop and performing the function of the stop 107 in FIG. 8, is located in the path of the link 109 which is shown to have a threaded adjustable end portion 117 by which the exact distance between portion 117 and stop 116 can be determined. As in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the movement of sensing lever 33 is limited by the link 109, 117 abutting stop 116 before sensing pin 32 can reach the setting position in which sensing pin 32 abuts the outer end of stop 25. Consequently, gear 49 and the other transmission parts connecting the sensing lever 33 with the indicator pointer 56, place pointer 56 in a position which indicates a shorter available parking time than in the case that cam 101 engages cam follower 104a and opens switch 1 10 so that the armature 115 and stop 116 are withdrawn, and link 109, 117 passes the stop 116 without engaging the same, permitting further movement of sensing lever 33 until sensing pin 32 engages stop 25. Since cam track portions 101 represent normal demand hours, indicator pointer 56 is moved to a set position making a longer parking time available for the same coin. The angle of movement of the sensing lever 33 until stopped by link 109, 1 17 and stop 116, may be half the angle of movement of sensing lever 33 until sensing pin 32 abuts stop 25, so that the same coin buys only half the parking time during peak hours, as compared with hours of normal demand for parking space.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, coins of different value buy the same time during normal demand hours and peak demand hours. For example, during normal demand hours, half an hour of parking time is obtained by insertion of a lO-cent coin, while half an hour during the peak demand period requires the insertion of a 25-c ent coin. Correspondingly, the disc 23 carries two stops 25 and 26 which are set for a lO-cent coin and for a 25-cent coin, respectively. If a ten cent coin is inserted during the normal demand hours, the operation takes place as explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

The same is true if during the peak demand hours, when a higher rate is to be charged, a 25-cent piece is inserted. However, it must be prevented that during the peak demand hours, when the higher rate is effective, a lO-cent piece is used for setting the parking meter. Consequently, the 10-cent piece must be rejected during the peak demand hours, so that no parking time is obtained by setting the indicating pointer. A mechanical construction is illustrated in FIG. 10, and includes a gear 67" which is operated as explained with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. A time cam 120 is attached to gear 67", and is designed to have only one period during which the higher rate is to be charged, and this period is represented by the recessed cam track portion 129 of the rotary time cam 120. For example, the time period between 5 o'clock and 8 o'clock p.rn. may be designated as a time during which the higher rate is to be charged A follower lever 122 senses the rotary time cam 120, and is angularly displaced about the pivot 123 by cam track portions of different radial height. At the other end of follower lever 122, an angular double armed lever 125 is mounted on a pivot 124, which has on its right arm, a coupling pin 126. The left arm of coupling lever 125 has a transverse portion whose ends are bent up so that the bent lugs 127 are limits for the angular movement of coupling lever 125 relative to the follower lever 122. A spring 128 biasses coupling lever 125 to assume a pOSition in which left lug 127 abuts follower lever 122 so that the same is biassed toward the cam track of the rotary time cam 120 of the control means 200.

Coupling lever 125 cooperates with another coupling lever 129 which is mounted on a stationary pivot 130. The coupling pin 126 of lever 125 normally abuts a slanted end face at the left end of lever 129. On the right end of lever 129, a projecting nose 131 is provided which cooperates with a pin 132 secured to disc 23.

FIG. 10 shows, in broken lines, the position of lever 129 and of pin 132 shortly before catch lever 38 arrives in its arresting position. When catch lever 38 arrives in the arresting position, in which the respective stop 25 or 26 is arrested, together with disc 23 so that the same cannot turn due to the action of spring 29, pin 132 assumes a position corresponding to the position of lever 129 shown in dash and dot lines in FIG. 10. At this moment, pin 132 turns lever 129 in clockwise direction, so that the slanted end face of the left arm of lever 129 engages and displaces coupling pin 126 by which catch lever 38 is turned to the position shown in chain lines, resulting in release of stop 25 and thereby of disc 23 so that the same can be turned in clockwise direction by spring 29 resulting in the inserted ten cent coin dropping into the coin receptacle (not shown) but not adjusting any parking time. The low value coin, which is insufficient for operating the parking lever during peak demand hours, is taken, but is not used for setting the indicator to any parking time.

FIG. 10 actually shows the apparatus set for use with German coins, namely a 50 Pfg coin and a 10 Pfg coin. When a 50 Pfg coin is used during the peak demand hours when a high rate is charged, the indicator pointer is properly set because disc 23 turns to a position in which stop 26, associated with the 50 Pfg coin is caught by the catch lever before pin 132 on disc 23 arrives in the effective region of the nose 131.

As explained above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, stops 25 and 26 can be adjusted in radial directions, and the radial distance between sensing pin 32 and stops-25 or 26 determines the angle of displacement of the pointer 56. Therefore, stops 25 and 26 can be adjusted to the same radial height for obtaining the same set position of the pointer, corresponding to the same parking time for coins of different value. However, by radially adjusting stops 25 and 26, it is possible to obtain a shorter parking time when a high value coin is used during peak demand hours than the parking time bought by a coin of lesser value during the normal demand hoursJIhe German 50 Pfg coin has a smaller diameter than the 10 Pfg. coin.

The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 11 operates on the same principle as the apparatus shown in FIG. 10. However, it is assumed that a voltage is available, which may be the case if the parking meter is provided in a garage building, or a battery may be associated with the parking meter in other locations.

For obtaining rejection of the low value coins during the peak demand periods when the higher rate is valid, two switches 140 and 141 and an electromagnet 142 having an armature 143 are connected in series with the battery 113. A doublearmed lever 144 is pivotally connected with the armature 143, and has an arm cooperating with an extended arm 145 of catch lever 38. Two stops 25 and 26 are mounted on the disc 23, stop 26 corresponding to a 50 Pfg coin, and stop 25 corresponding to a l Pfg coin. During the period of higher rate, switch 140 is closed by a lug 146 mounted on a disc 147 secured to the gear 67". The position of each lug 146 can be adjusted circumferentially by means of an annular slot 148 in the disc 147. Gear 67", disc 147, lugs 146 form control means 200 corresponding to the control means 200 in FIGS. 10, 8, and to 7. Switch 141 is normally open, but is closed by pin 149 on disc 23 when during the time when the high rate is valid, a coin of low value, for example a Pfg coin is inserted. Since the 10 Pfg coin has a greater diameter than the 50 Pfg coin, the stop 25 associated with the 10 Pfg coin trails the stop 26 associated with the SO Pfg coin. The angular position of pin 149 relative to the stop 25 is selected so that switch 141 is closed when stop 25 is arrested by the catch lever 38. Consequently, in this position, the circuit of electromagnet 142 is closed, armature 143 is attracted, and the right arm of lever 144 acts through the arm 145 on the catch lever 38 to turn the same in clockwise direction so that the disc is released, and turns due to the action of spring 29 in clockwise position to' a position of rest. If during the time when the higher rate is valid, and the follower 140a engages a lug 146, pin 149 does not engage the arm of switch 141, since the stop 26 earlier arrives in the catch position arrested by the catch lever 38, resulting in stopping of disc 23. Consequently, in the catch position, switch 141 is not closed, so that the inserted 50 Pfg coin causes sensing of the respective stop 26 by sensing pin 31 and sensing lever 33, resulting in the desired indication of a certain parking time on the dial of the parking meter by the set pointer 56.

The term parking meter, as used in the preceding description and the following claims, is exemplary and is intended to include any other coin-operated time vending machine.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of time vending machines differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a parking meter operating at different rates during hours of normal demand, and hours of peak demand for parking space, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is:

1. Parking meter having an increased rate during peak demand periods, comprising: constant speed drive means; control means driven by said drive means and including rotary time cam means having first and second cam track portions representing normal demand hours and peak demand hours,

respectively, and follower means operated by said time cam means to move between a normal demand position and a peak demand position; operating means including sensing means for sensing a dimension of at least one coin and assuming a setting position representing the value of the coin; and indicating means including an indicator having a position of rest, and at least one set position indicating a bought parking period, and being connected with said sensing means and set by the same in said setting position to said set position when the same senses a coin, said indicating means being driven by said drive means to return said indicator from said set position to said position of rest, and being controlled by said follower means in said normal demand position and said peak demand position so that for the same coin value said indicator requires a longer time during normal demand hours than during peak demand hours to return from said set position to said position of rest whereby different rates are charged during said normal and peak hours.

2. Parking meter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said indicating means include a shiftablc transmission connecting said sensing means with said indicator and being shifted by said follower means between at least two positions for causing slower return movement of said indicator from said set position to said position of rest during said normal demand hours than during said peak demand hours.

3. Parking meter as claimed in claim 2 wherein said indicating means includes two graduated scales of the same length having the same ratio as said transmission; wherein said indicator is a pointer moving over said two scales between said set position and said position of rest for indicating on said scales the still available parking time during normal demand hours and peak demand hours, respectively.

4. Parking meter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rotary time cam means include a cam disc having a circular cam track forming said first cam track portion, and at least one cam element mounted on said cam disc adjustably in circumferential direction and forming said second cam track portion for interrupting said circular cam track.

5. Parking meter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said operating means include biassing means for biassing said sensing means to move to said setting position a distance determined by a coin; and wherein said follower means includes a stop located in said peak demand position in the path of movement of said sensing means to said setting position to stop the same before arriving in said setting position so that said indicator is set to indicate a shorter available parking time than when said sensing means moves to said setting position whereby said indicator returns in said normal and peak demand hours at the same speed to said position of rest but moves different distances to the same.

6. Parking meter as claimed in claim 5 wherein said sensing means includes a spring biassed sensing lever, and a link guided for movement toward and away from said follower means; and wherein said follower means includes a member having said stop located in the path of movement of said link when said follower means is in said peak demand position, and located outside of said path in said normal demand position.

7. Parking meter as claimed in claim 5 wherein said follower means includes a follower cooperating with said time cam means, a switch closed by said follower when sensing said second cam track portion, and electromagnetic means controlled by said switch and including a movable part having said stop so that, when said switch is closed during peak demand hours, said stop blocks movement of said sensing means before the same arrive in said setting position.

8. Parking meter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said operating means includes transporting means for transporting a coin of low value and a coin of high value to said sensing means so that the same moves to said setting position for setting said indicator to said set position; and wherein said follower means in said peak demand position prevents setting of said indicator means by a coin of low value.

9. Parking meter as claimed in claim 8 wherein said operating means include rejecting means actuated by said follower means in said peak demand position to start a return movement of said transporting means with said coin of low value before the same is sensed by said sensing means whereby said indicating means is not set to said set position by said sensing means.

10. Parking meter as claimed in claim 8 wherein said follower means include a follower cooperating with said time cam, a switch closed by said follower when sensing said second cam track portion, and electromagnetic means controlled by said switch, and including a movable part; and rejecting means actuated by said movable part of said electromagnetic means in said peak demand position of said follower means to start a return movement of said transporting means with said coin of low value before the same is sensed by said sensing means whereby said indicating means is not set to said set position by said sensing means.

11. Parking meter as claimed in claim 9 wherein said rejecting means include a catch lever for stopping said transporting means in a sensing position, and a coupling lever connecting said catch lever with said follower means in said peak demand position for withdrawing said catch lever whereby said return movement of said transporting means is started with the coin of low value. 

1. Parking meter having an increased rate during peak demand periods, comprising: constant speed drive means; control means driven by said drive means and including rotary time cam means having first and second cam track portions representing normal demand hours and peak demand hours, respectively, and follower means operated by said time cam means to move between a normal demand position and a peak demand position; operating means including sensing means for sensing a dimension of at least one coin and assuming a setting position representing the value of the coin; and indicating means including an indicator having a position of rest, and at least one set position indicating a bought parking period, and being connecteD with said sensing means and set by the same in said setting position to said set position when the same senses a coin, said indicating means being driven by said drive means to return said indicator from said set position to said position of rest, and being controlled by said follower means in said normal demand position and said peak demand position so that for the same coin value said indicator requires a longer time during normal demand hours than during peak demand hours to return from said set position to said position of rest whereby different rates are charged during said normal and peak hours.
 2. Parking meter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said indicating means include a shiftable transmission connecting said sensing means with said indicator and being shifted by said follower means between at least two positions for causing slower return movement of said indicator from said set position to said position of rest during said normal demand hours than during said peak demand hours.
 3. Parking meter as claimed in claim 2 wherein said indicating means includes two graduated scales of the same length having the same ratio as said transmission; wherein said indicator is a pointer moving over said two scales between said set position and said position of rest for indicating on said scales the still available parking time during normal demand hours and peak demand hours, respectively.
 4. Parking meter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rotary time cam means include a cam disc having a circular cam track forming said first cam track portion, and at least one cam element mounted on said cam disc adjustably in circumferential direction and forming said second cam track portion for interrupting said circular cam track.
 5. Parking meter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said operating means include biassing means for biassing said sensing means to move to said setting position a distance determined by a coin; and wherein said follower means includes a stop located in said peak demand position in the path of movement of said sensing means to said setting position to stop the same before arriving in said setting position so that said indicator is set to indicate a shorter available parking time than when said sensing means moves to said setting position whereby said indicator returns in said normal and peak demand hours at the same speed to said position of rest but moves different distances to the same.
 6. Parking meter as claimed in claim 5 wherein said sensing means includes a spring biassed sensing lever, and a link guided for movement toward and away from said follower means; and wherein said follower means includes a member having said stop located in the path of movement of said link when said follower means is in said peak demand position, and located outside of said path in said normal demand position.
 7. Parking meter as claimed in claim 5 wherein said follower means includes a follower cooperating with said time cam means, a switch closed by said follower when sensing said second cam track portion, and electromagnetic means controlled by said switch and including a movable part having said stop so that, when said switch is closed during peak demand hours, said stop blocks movement of said sensing means before the same arrive in said setting position.
 8. Parking meter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said operating means includes transporting means for transporting a coin of low value and a coin of high value to said sensing means so that the same moves to said setting position for setting said indicator to said set position; and wherein said follower means in said peak demand position prevents setting of said indicator means by a coin of low value.
 9. Parking meter as claimed in claim 8 wherein said operating means include rejecting means actuated by said follower means in said peak demand position to start a return movement of said transporting means with said coin of low value before the same is sensed by said sensing means whereby said Indicating means is not set to said set position by said sensing means.
 10. Parking meter as claimed in claim 8 wherein said follower means include a follower cooperating with said time cam, a switch closed by said follower when sensing said second cam track portion, and electromagnetic means controlled by said switch, and including a movable part; and rejecting means actuated by said movable part of said electromagnetic means in said peak demand position of said follower means to start a return movement of said transporting means with said coin of low value before the same is sensed by said sensing means whereby said indicating means is not set to said set position by said sensing means.
 11. Parking meter as claimed in claim 9 wherein said rejecting means include a catch lever for stopping said transporting means in a sensing position, and a coupling lever connecting said catch lever with said follower means in said peak demand position for withdrawing said catch lever whereby said return movement of said transporting means is started with the coin of low value. 